Britain's biggest unions put weight behind plan for general strike
Unite and Unison back mass action for the first time since 1926
Plans for the first general strike in modern British history have been backed by the countrys two biggest unions.
The proposed 24-hour walkout would be the first time since 1926 that private and public-sector workers have co-ordinated a nationwide mass action. The tactic, which would represent a significant escalation to the unions protests against the Coalitions austerity measures, will be discussed at the meeting of the Trades Union Congresss general council this month.
The proposals were initially drawn up by Unite, with 1.4 million members, which argues that such action is desirable as it would put the Government on the defensive and boost the status of trade unions. And Unison, the biggest public-sector trade union with 1.3 million members, announced it also backed the principle of a general strike, although it stressed the move should be the culmination of a campaign against austerity measures.
Union leaders privately acknowledge considerable legal obstacles have to be overcome before any general strike can be called. More moderate unions are also known to be sceptical about the plans.
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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/britains-biggest-unions-put-weight-behind-plan-for-general-strike-8559027.html